Is My Company Liable if I Got Into a Car Accident During Work Hours While Performing a Work Task in My Personal Car?

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If you cause a wreck in your personal vehicle, you are liable for your damages and the other party or parties’ damages.

However, if you were driving as part of a work-related task at the time of the accident, your employer might also have liability. That does not take away your liability, however.

After any car accident, no matter who is at fault and whether you were driving for work or personal business, you should speak with an attorney. A car accident lawyer can advise you of your rights, help shield you from liability, and work with you to pursue compensation for your damages.

For a free consultation with the attorneys at the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine, call 800-747-3733 today.

When Is My Employer Liable for My Car Accident Damages?

Under certain circumstances, your employer has vicarious liability for your actions behind the wheel, meaning that if you cause damages to another person or property, whether you were negligent or not, your employer may be liable alongside you.

The circumstances under which your employer could have vicarious liability for your car accident damage are as follows:

You were on the job and onthe clock when the accident occurred.

You were driving as part of a work-related task.

You were driving tocarry out a task your boss or employer asked you to do.

You took part in an activityfrom which your employer stood to benefit.

In other words, if you were on the clock, completing an activity that your employer asked you to do, then your employer probably has vicarious liability for your car accident.

Not only that, but your employer could be liable for your injuries — even if the car accident were your fault. If you sustain injuries doing anything work-related, you might be able to file a workers’ compensation claim and pursue damages from your employer. Your attorney can review your situation and offer advice on this process.

When Is My Employer Not Liable for My Car Accident?

In some situations, your employer does not have vicarious liability for your car accident, even if it occurred in the middle of the workday.

If you leave work to run a personal errand, such as picking up lunch or visiting the dentist, your employer would not be liable for an accident that occurs during this time, as you were not performing a work-related task.

Similarly, your commute to and from work is typically not considered a part of your job. But exceptions apply — if you go out of town on a business trip or run an errand for your employer on your way to work, for instance, your employer could be liable.

Call Us If You Have Questions

No matter the circumstances of your car accident, our team can help. For a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call us today at 800-747-3733.